Located 350kms southwest of Chengdu by road, Kangding is a large town inside a deep valley. It is fairly ugly and only worthy of a few days for entry into west Sichuan proper.
This is the place where Tibet of old really begins; the roads get windier, the mountains steeper, and the air thinner. Kangding has been a busy trade center for centuries and bustles by day and night. There’s some cheap accommodation near the bus station, although downtown Kangding has nicer inns.
The courtyards of Anjue Si are a popular sight in Kangding, with their Tibetan shrines and friendly monks. Paoma Shan (Mount Paoma) is just out and above the town and comes with some Buddhist temples and the best views of Kangding. Gongga Shan, way off to the northwest, is visible from here on nice days.
If you haven’t seen a lama temple, or lamasery, then theNanwu Temple on the north bank of the river is a must-see. It has scores of resident lamas and is beautifully maintained.
Getting There & Away
Bus travel is the norm in this part of west Sichuan, with direct services morning and afternoon from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station (8 hours). Chengdu is accessible by train from Chongqing, Xi’an, and Kunming (east, north, and south respectively) and also has the busiest airport in the province - Suhangliu International Airport.
Things to Do
Kangding Attractions
- Nanwu Temple
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A temple with a difference, featuring 80 resident lamas in the north of kangding. the structure is ancient and the views amazing.
Side trips from Kangding
- Erdaoqiao Hot Spring
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Located five kilometers from kangding, this place is fantastic for relaxing after long bus journeys.
- Mogecuo Lake
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Located at altitude to the northwest of kangding in the yala valley, this lake is heavenly and is known as the ‘wild man’s sea’.
Events
- Kangding Horse Running Festival
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A three-day event in kangding in march which is held at the reactively flat mount paoma shan and features costumed tibetans and singing and dancing.